The first Tractor Parade was in 2001. We had 20 tractors and a handful of volunteers. Because of the community support and the enthusiasm of the drivers, last year it had grown to more than 130 tractors and innumerable people working behind the scenes to bring it all together. This year, the event will include antique and modern tractors, a farmers market, live music, food, animals, free children’s games and much more. Spectator, senior and handicap parking will be available at Steve Denton’s barn at the corner and also at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. We’re also adding spectator parking at the tower field (it will be clearly marked) to accommodate everyone who comes to enjoy the festivities.

The parade usually lasts about an hour. It travels north on Spear Street from Nichol’s Fodder Farm, turns right on the Hinesburg Road and then down Jackson Hill Road to the green. Every year we add signs to make it easier for locals and our visitors to get around. We ask that you pay attention to them and let us know if you see anything that could be added. We do close Spear Street and the Charlotte-Hinesburg Road for about an hour so the tractors can drive unobstructed but you can rest assured that if emergency vehicles need to get through, they are able to.

The parade not only gives us an opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors after a busy summer, but also to show our appreciation to the many farm families in the area for their hard work and perseverance in keeping this the farming community we choose to live in alive.

We hope to see all our old friends and to make many new ones this year!